2010 Porsche 997 911 GT3
One of my personal favorite Porsche’s, the GT3, is coming back for 2010. As you may remember Porsche updated its 2009 911 with a few new gadgets, looks and stunning performance abilities. Well, back in 2008 Porsche stopped producing the GT3. We were all sad… But, we knew it would be back. And now it is.
This is the 3rd generation GT3 Porsche. The GT3 was started in the 996 911 model form to create an all new RS type of 911. Before the GT3 there was just the 911 RS or ClubSports, the Turbo and GT2 models to take the 911 name and performance higher than the standard. It came with no rear seats, barely had a radio and air conditioning, and only came in a manual transmission. Oh, and racing seats were standard.
In 1999 Porsche debuted the all new 911 GT3 with a slightly modified NA 3.6L flat-Six engine from the standard 911 Carrera, except it carried 355hp, and later 380hp when it got its facelift. The GT3 was also fitted with upgraded suspension, aerodynamic bodywork, wheels, tires, brakes, interior, stuff like that. It was the hardest of 911’s. If you were a racer, or even just wanted to be like a race car driver, your car had arrived. It didn’t necessarily carry the immense speed of the Turbo’d GT2 and 911 Turbo, but it was far racier of a car. And, it was naturally aspirated. The 996 GT3 ended its reign in 2005.
In 2007 came the updated 997 model, with an all new engine producing even better power. The same was true with a NA 3.6L flat-Six, but all new, and with 415hp and an RPM redline of 8,400. Now, too, PCCB (Porsche Carbon Ceramic Brakes) were standard instead of optional, and there was a GT3 RS that was coming to America! The RS model had weight savings of about 40lbs, a fully adjustable carbon fiber rear wing and, most important, a wider track of 44mm. The GT3 RS’s rear end was taken from the Carrera 4 models to give it better stability and grip.
Now, for 2010, we get the best of the best with the GT3. There is an updated 3.8L engine with 435hp, better aerodynamics, suspension and so much more. It looks like the baddest 911 on the block, to me. The new GT3 will catch 60 mph in 4-seconds flat, accoring to Porsche. That’s undoubtedly slower than what the publications will do. I’m suspecting 3.7s, maybe better. The 996 GT3 did it in 4.3s and the first 997 did it in 4.1s, respectively. 100 mph is also much faster at 8.0s, compared to 9.4s for the 996 and 8.7s for the old 997.
The new GT3 will set you back about $112,200 for the base. In today’s war on money, I don’t know how many people are going to be able to snuggle up to that like they used to. But, there’s one thing that’s already for certain, this will be one of the greatest Porsche’s ever… With bigger carbon ceramics brakes that include more cooling, an aluminum hub to save weight (as if they were failing that portion of the test) and bigger brakes all-round. Furthermore, as I said before, the aerodynamics have been significantly updated. Now a similar wing to the GT3 RS’s adjustable wing comes standard. On each side of the wing you will notice that it reads 3.8 in unique text on the plate that you take off to adjust the wing. I like this. It goes along with the unique theme that BMW did with the M3. The M3 has stamps in the under side of the hood that read M3. It gives visual character as to what it is. The 3.8, to me, will stand out to show the car’s different quality from the last GT3.
Along with the new engine and aerodynamics, there is a new top speed of 194 mph. That is probably a low-ball number. I’m sure it will hit 195… Still, though, 194 miles per hour. Just a decade or so ago we were gauking at Lamborghini’s that were doing that speed. Now, every performance car has to at least hit 190, or else it’s worthless to even think of it as a performance car. Also, the Porsche Active Suspension Management system, or PASM, has been tweaked, along with PSM, or Porsche Stability Management, coming standard. That’s a first for a GT3. It is currently offered on the GT2 to help keep the car on the ground. You can still turn all of these electronic nannies off, if you are a racing driver, or wanting to get death over with quick.
None of this will have any bearing on this car being driven the way this car will be mostly drive, and unfortunately so. Most people will buy this car because they can, not because they want to use it. So, in Porsche’s usually infinite wisdom, they have added a new front end lifting system for people with very vertical driveways, bumps, or just because you want to raise your car to better fit the 48″ wheels that you’ll want to show off under the front wells. There is an air compressor in the front that raises the front end up to 1.18 inches at speeds up to 30 mph. Also, the GT3 also comes with race inspired center locking nuts for the wheels, instead of the out of date set of lug nuts that come on most cars these days.
-Josh
“Happy Motoring!”
[Source: Porsche]
[2010 GT3 pictures taken from Porsche, WorldCarFans and Autoblog; 996 GT3 picture taken from PorschePassion; 997 GT3 picture taken from AutoCult]
“Improved Aerodynamics, Suspension, Braking Distinguish 2010 GT3
ATLANTA — January 29, 2009 — Porsche will launch the fastest, most powerful 911 GT3 to-date at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3, 2009. The high performance GT3 is the latest in the new generation 911 series and carries over a wide range of expertise learned from motorsports – resulting in superb capabilities both on road and on track.
New Engine
The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 raises the performance bar thanks to an increase in engine size to 3.8 liters and VarioCam technology now on both the intake and exhaust. The naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine develops 435 bhp, 20 bhp more than its predecessor.
The new, larger engine offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, which is particularly important for everyday driving. Track performance is also improved; the new GT3 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 194 mph.
Improved Suspension
Driving dynamics have also been enhanced, and the new GT3 offers even better grip and stability. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has enabled Porsche’s engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars stiffer, thus ensuring even more precise handling in sport mode, while retaining a level of comfort suitable for everyday use in normal mode. For the first time, the 911 GT3 comes standard with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), with suspension mapping mirroring that of the GT2. The driver can disengage both stability control and traction control in separate steps.
Refined Aerodynamics
At high speeds, aerodynamic improvements have increased downforce at both the front and rear, more than doubling the effect of the previous GT3. At the same time, the new aerodynamics package, with larger vents in the front and rear bumpers gives the GT3 a brand-new look, accentuated by standard bi-xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters and modified air intakes and outlets.
Innovative Engine Mounts
The new GT3 will be available with new and highly innovative dynamic engine mounts. Utilizing magnetic fluid, these inventive mounts automatically stiffen to create a more solid coupling between the engine and chassis when the car is driven energetically. This provides a sporting, rigid assembly on fast bends and winding racetracks yet allows for engine isolation and increased comfort while driving in everyday traffic. Traction is also improved when accelerating from a standstill.
Upgraded Brakes
With driving dynamics and performance at an even higher level, the brake system, following a long Porsche tradition, has also been enhanced accordingly. Brake discs are larger and feature an aluminum hub to reduce weight. Increased brake ventilation ensures a high level of brake power over long periods, and the GT3 can also be equipped with PCCB ceramic brakes, developed specifically for this model.
Creative Front End Lift
A new lift system for the front axle is also available. By utilizing an on-board air compressor, the front of the car can be raised for steep driveways or inclines. The touch of a button raises the front ride height by 30 mm, or 1.18 inches and at speeds up to approximately 30 mph. New, lighter GT3 specific center lock wheels and ultra-high performance tires round out the functional and visual enhancement of the GT3.
The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 will be available in the fall of 2009, MSRP $112,200 US.”
